Political Research Assistant

Are you interested in local democracy and politics? Are you looking for a challenging opportunity to develop your skills? Gloucestershire County Council employs three Political Assistants and their contracts run for the four-year term of the Council (May 2025 to May 2029). A vacancy has arisen for the post that supports the Green Group. You will support the Political Group in managing and co-ordinating group business, as well as keeping a watching brief on national developments affecting local government. You will also draft press releases, prepare briefings, manage the group's social media channels and support group members in their day-to-day activities.

You should possess excellent oral and written communication skills and have experience of working in a political environment, but that does not necessarily need to be in Gloucestershire. It is important that you have a good understanding of online communications including social media. You should be self-motivated and have the ability to manage changing priorities. Political awareness and sensitivity are essential requirements and working with the media and other partners, ideally in local government is desirable. You will be educated to degree standard or have equivalent experience. The post is designated under Section 9 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 as politically restricted. The post may be available on a job share basis., The council is not currently able to offer sponsorship in this role. Candidates will need to have right to work that enables them to commit to at least 6 months' employment. Right to work is not transferable from a sponsored role held with another employer. We want to be an employer of choice, attracting and retaining excellent people to work for us, so that we can best serve all of Gloucestershire's diverse communities. Our promise to you is that we will provide an inclusive and supportive working environment that enables you to bring your whole self to work and realise your full potential. It is a legal requirement, under the Immigration Act 2016, that anyone appointed to a 'customer facing role' must be able to demonstrate an ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in fluent English. Hybrid working arrangements are available for the majority of our roles, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice, with a mix of both remote and office working.

For all your hard work, you will receive the following;

• Flexible and agile working opportunities
• 25.5 days annual leave rising to 30.5 days after 5 years continuous service
• Plus, an option to purchase 10 days of additional leave per year (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Family friendly employer offering benefits to help support you and your family
• Career development and qualification opportunities
• Supportive and positive working environment with regular, robust supervision
• Excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) that provides free, confidential, counselling and advice for employees, available 24 hours a day, online and by telephone.
• An in-house Occupational Health service
• Employee discount scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Links to employee networks such as Prism (LGBT+) network and the Young Employees Network. Gloucestershire Salary Sacrifice Green Car Scheme (T&C's apply)